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Definition: programmable keypad

An auxiliary keypad that can be programmed to enter menu sequences or strings of text with one keystroke. After being programmed, most keypads stand alone, while others require software running in the computer. Also known as "macro keypads," they are extremely helpful when people spend a lot of time on the computer. See macro and programmable keyboard.

The Author's Solution

These P.I. Engineering keypads plug into the USB ports and streamline the functions Alan Freedman uses hour after hour. For example, the yellow and red buttons on the Mac keypad (top) close open browser tabs and application windows. The keypads (bottom) activate word processing and image editing functions on a Windows PC.